Fittler gets nod as State of Origin coach say insiders

RUGBY LEAGUE: Brad Fittler is expected to be confirmed as the NSW State of Origin coach with the NSWRL to make an announcement on Friday.

Fittler is the clear favourite to replace Laurie Daley almost three months after he was sacked as Blues coach.

Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire, John Cartwright, David Furner and Michael Maguire are other names in the mix but insiders insist Fittler will be given the nod when the board meets at Olympic Park.

A Blues legend, Fittler played 31 Origin games and also has plenty of coaching experience.

He's been in charge of the City side for the past six years and guided Lebanon to the quarter-finals of the World Cup this month.

Daley believes Fittler's playing experience in the Origin arena would provide a definite advantage come next June when Origin hostilities resume.

"I think it does (help) because it's different to any other game," Daley said.

"It's a really big build up. It's like three grand finals in six weeks and the rollercoaster you have is very emotional.

"If you don't understand it and you get caught up in it you can lose sight and focus."

Fittler is expected to lean on Blues greats Phil Gould and Andrew Johns as advisers in 2018.